打算...
dadan...
Plan to...
Literally: Strike/Calculate... (打 dǎ: to strike/hit; 算 suàn: to calculate/count)
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses intention or a planned action for the future.
- Functions as both a verb (to plan) and noun (a plan).
- Less formal than 'jìhuà' but more certain than 'xiǎng'.
Meaning
This is your go-to way to talk about your intentions or what you're thinking of doing next. It's like saying 'I'm planning to' or 'I intend to' without sounding too stiff.
Key Examples
3 of 6Chatting about the weekend
这个周末你打算做什么？
What do you plan to do this weekend?
Discussing a career move
我打算明年去中国工作。
I plan to go work in China next year.
Deciding on dinner
我们打算去吃火锅，你去吗？
We're planning to have hotpot, are you coming?
Cultural Background
In the fast-paced cities like Beijing and Shanghai, {打算|dǎsuàn} is often used tentatively because plans change quickly due to work demands. In Taiwan, you might hear '{有|yǒu}{打算|dǎsuàn}' used more frequently as a noun in polite social inquiries. In a business dinner, if someone asks for your {打算|dǎsuàn}, they are often looking for your 'vision' or 'strategy' in a less formal way than a boardroom presentation. The phrase '{为|wèi}...{打算|dǎsuàn}' (to plan for someone) is a key expression of love and responsibility in Chinese families.
The 'Soft' Refusal
Use '{我|wǒ}{还没|háiméi}{打算|dǎsuàn}{好|hǎo}' to avoid saying 'No' directly. It keeps the door open and sounds more polite.
No 'Le'!
Avoid saying '{打算|dǎsuàn}{了|le}' when talking about your current plans. It's a common beginner mistake.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses intention or a planned action for the future.
- Functions as both a verb (to plan) and noun (a plan).
- Less formal than 'jìhuà' but more certain than 'xiǎng'.
What It Means
打算 is the heartbeat of future plans in Chinese. It sits right between a vague wish and a concrete appointment. When you use it, you're telling people what's on your mental to-do list. It’s warm, clear, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
Using it is incredibly simple. Just put 打算 right before the action you want to do. You don't need extra particles or complicated grammar. For example, 我打算睡觉 (I plan to sleep). You can also use it as a noun to ask about someone's plans. Just ask 你有什么打算？ (What plans do you have?). It’s like a LEGO brick that fits anywhere.
When To Use It
Use it when chatting with friends about the weekend. Use it in job interviews to discuss your career goals. It’s perfect for travel talk or deciding what to eat for dinner. If you have a thought in your head about a future action, 打算 is your best friend. It sounds proactive and organized.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are 100% happening right this second. If you are already eating, don't say you 打算 to eat. Also, avoid it for things out of your control. You can't 打算 for it to rain tomorrow. That’s for the weather gods, not your personal schedule. Keep it for things you actually have a say in.
Cultural Background
The characters literally mean 'to strike' and 'to calculate.' This comes from the old days of using an abacus. You would 'strike' the beads to 'calculate' your next move. Today, it shows that Chinese culture values having a clear intention. It’s not just a dream; it’s a calculation of your next step.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, you might use 计划 (jìhuà). If you’re just 'thinking' about doing something but aren't sure, use 想 (xiǎng). But for that sweet spot of 'I’ve thought about it and this is the plan,' stick with 打算. It’s the Goldilocks of planning words.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral-register word suitable for almost any conversation. It avoids the rigidity of 'jìhuà' while being more specific than 'xiǎng'.
The 'Soft' Refusal
Use '{我|wǒ}{还没|háiméi}{打算|dǎsuàn}{好|hǎo}' to avoid saying 'No' directly. It keeps the door open and sounds more polite.
No 'Le'!
Avoid saying '{打算|dǎsuàn}{了|le}' when talking about your current plans. It's a common beginner mistake.
Abacus Imagery
Remember the abacus origin to understand why it feels more 'considered' than just 'wanting' something.
Examples
6这个周末你打算做什么？
What do you plan to do this weekend?
Standard way to ask about someone's upcoming schedule.
我打算明年去中国工作。
I plan to go work in China next year.
Shows a clear intention for a major life event.
我们打算去吃火锅，你去吗？
We're planning to have hotpot, are you coming?
Friendly invitation based on a set plan.
我打算明天跟他表白！
I plan to confess my feelings to him tomorrow!
High energy and personal intent.
我本打算运动，但沙发太舒服了。
I originally planned to exercise, but the sofa is too comfy.
Using 'běn dǎsuàn' (originally planned) to explain why a plan failed.
经理，公司明年有什么打算？
Manager, what plans does the company have for next year?
Used here as a noun meaning 'plans' or 'intentions'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {打算|dǎsuàn}.
{下|xià}{个|gè}{星期|xīngqī}{我|wǒ}_____{去|qù}{上海|Shànghǎi}。
{打算|dǎsuàn} is used as a simple verb here to express a future plan.
Which sentence is the most natural for a casual chat about the weekend?
Asking a friend about their plans:
{打算|dǎsuàn} is the most natural word for personal, informal plans.
Complete the dialogue with a polite refusal.
A: {明天|míngtiān}{我们|wǒmen}{去|qù}{爬山|páshān}{吧|ba}！ B: {对不起|duìbùqǐ}，{我|wǒ}_________。
{不|bù}{打算|dǎsuàn} is a polite way to state you don't intend to do something.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Planning Intensity Scale
Practice Bank
3 exercises{下|xià}{个|gè}{星期|xīngqī}{我|wǒ}_____{去|qù}{上海|Shànghǎi}。
{打算|dǎsuàn} is used as a simple verb here to express a future plan.
Asking a friend about their plans:
{打算|dǎsuàn} is the most natural word for personal, informal plans.
A: {明天|míngtiān}{我们|wǒmen}{去|qù}{爬山|páshān}{吧|ba}！ B: {对不起|duìbùqǐ}，{我|wǒ}_________。
{不|bù}{打算|dǎsuàn} is a polite way to state you don't intend to do something.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but you need to add a past time word. '{我|wǒ}{昨天|zuótiān}{原本|yuánběn}{打算|dǎsuàn}{去|qù}...' (I originally planned to go yesterday...).
No, it's perfectly fine for a consultative discussion. However, for a formal report, use {计划|jìhuà}.
{想|xiǎng} is a desire ('I want'); {打算|dǎsuàn} is an intention ('I've thought about it and plan to').
Technically yes, but it sounds a bit too serious. Just use {要|yào} or {去|qù} for very minor daily routines.
Related Phrases
{计划|jìhuà}
synonymA formal plan
{准备|zhǔnbèi}
builds onTo prepare
{想|xiǎng}
similarTo want/think
{规划|guīhuà}
specialized formLong-term blueprint
{意图|yìtú}
formalIntention
